Difference of opinion beauty of democracy: Khosa

OUR STAFF REPORTER LAHORE-Punjab Governor Sardar Latif Ahmad Khosa Friday said that difference of opinion was beauty of democracy, and one should not read too much into apparently harsh political statements coming from politicians. Since general elections are not vary far away, such statements are part of preparation for the election campaign, he said while taking to media after addressing a ceremony to held at a local hotel to mark 88th National Day of Turkey. Khosa said that it was a normal practice in Pakistan that leaders belonging to different political parties make burning statements ahead of elections. The governor said that difference of opinion on issues was beauty of democracy and one should not construe that democracy was in danger. He reiterated that Senate polls and the general elections would be held on time. Earlier, addressing the ceremony, the governor said that Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed a special relationship rooted in centuries old links of history, culture and religion. The commonality of religion and cultural heritage has allowed us to stand by each other through thick and thin, he observed, adding, We wish to further strengthen our strategic partnership with Turkey. He said the two countries shared a similarity of perception on a wide range of global and regional issues. Khosa said that Pakistan appreciated Turkey for extending all out help to the stranded Pakistanis in Libya for their safe return to Pakistan, and for providing substantial monetary and material support during the recent floods. Highlighting the importance of up-grading the rail and road links between Pakistan and Turkey, he said that timely and effective measures need to be taken for running of fast-speed cargo train to facilitate mutual trade. The governor said that an ample proof of growing relations with the brother Muslim country was that President Asif Ali Zardari had undertaken four visits to Turkey in just three years, while PM Gilani and Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar also visited this country. He said that visits by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif were also showed Pakistans eagerness to strengthen the relations. Speaking on the occasion, Turkish Ambassador in Pakistan, Mustafa Babur Hizlan said that Turkish and Pakistani people had been bound by unshakeable bonds. We have not forgotten the sacrifices of the Muslims of the subcontinent in support of the Turkish Army during our War of Istiqlar, he said, adding, The final victory of the Turkish Army under the leadership of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk had also been celebrated in the subcontinent with an equal share of joy. He said that historical ties, shared cultural values and solidarity in difficult times had earned a very special place for Pakistan in the hearts of Turkish people. He told the audience that a group of his colleagues from the Turkish Embassy spent their Eid holiday in Punjab, together with their brothers and sisters in Muzaffargarh, monitoring the sacrifice and distribution of Qurbani by donations from Turkish citizens. I was in Lakki Marwat District in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. My Consul General in Karachi did the same in Mirpurkhas District in Sindh, he further remarked.